Every year at training camps around the NFL, a few unknown players step up and earn themselves a job. This year at Bucs training camp, Nick Leverett is hoping to be one of those players. Joining the Bucs out of Rice University as an undrafted free agent, Leverett spent last season on the team’s practice squad. He flashed at times in last year’s truncated camp, but without the opportunity from preseason games, Leverett’s chances to prove himself were limited.

This year, Leverett has had the benefit of a full offseason program after a year in the Buccaneers training facilities. The time spent in a professional environment has made an astronomical difference as he completes his second week of training camp.

Bucs OL Nick Leverett – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“I focused on every aspect that would make me a better player and a successful OL in the NFL,” Leverett said. “I cut out all distractions and took my diet to another level. Then I worked out harder and took care of my body with treatment. I got in my playbook and sought out help and advice. I went down to Dallas for the OL Masterminds summit and gained some great knowledge. This year I was literally doing everything to set myself up for success.”

Due to COVID, Leverett was robbed of a full offseason, which he felt hurt his adjustment to the league. But the 24-year old never stopped working, and the results are showing this summer. Leverett has been playing with the second unit in camp, getting snaps at both guard spots and at tackle.

“I feel like it helped me a ton,” Leverett said. “I actually came in with the rookies during rookie mini-camp and it helped me because I was the most knowledgeable guy on the field. So I had to make sure I knew not only what I was doing, but what everybody was doing. And it rolled over into OTAs and mini-camp. I feel like I showed my coaches and teammates they could trust me.”

Earlier in camp, during one-on-one drills at the left guard and right tackle spots, Leverett did not allow a defender by him. On one rep he pushed defensive tackle Khalil Davis completely out of the pocket. He stood another defender up with a ferocious punch in 11-on-11s.

In Thursday’s practice Leverett bodied Barrett and Nelson to win both his reps at right tackle. During Friday and Saturday’s practice Leverett was playing left tackle with the second unit in place of Josh Wells, who ascended to the first team due to Donovan Smith’s absence. Part of the reason Leverett has had such early success is his comfortability in head coach Bruce Arians offense.

“I feel really comfortable in this system,” Leverett said. “It’s so much to learn, but I’ve learned a lot. It’s fun learning about our offense because it’s so much to learn about. I truly feel like a student of the game.”

Leverett’s climb up the depth chart hasn’t gone unnoticed. His fellow linemen knew of his potential last season, and have sung his praises early in camp.

“Nick Leverett,” center Ryan Jensen said when asked which young offensive lineman has impressed him during training camp. “I was actually really big on Nick last year. He’s really climbing. He’s been showing a lot of good stuff in my eyes.”

“Nick is a beast man,” right guard Alex Cappa said. “We knew he was good last year too. He’s playing both sides, guard and tackle. I think the great thing about Nick is how much he’s always competing. He always competes harder than anybody, always playing hard, always finishing. I love playing with Nick.”

Leverett has taken advantage of having a talented group of offensive linemen around him, absorbing all the football knowledge that he can.

Bucs DT Steve McLendon – Photo by: USA Today

“There are a lot of vets I’ve leaned on,” Leverett said. “Guys in my position like Ali Marpet, Ryan Jensen, Donovan Smith, Alex Cappa, even Tristan when it comes to tackle stuff. I’ve also leaned on some vet defensive linemen like [Ndamukong] Suh, Steve McLendon, Will Gholston and more. Just trying to pick their brains and get advice. I’m a sponge trying to take in all of their knowledge.”

That knowledge has been paying off, as Leverett has impressed at multiple positions. Leverett has spent a considerable amount of reps at right and left guard and right and left tackle, holding up well across the lineup. But the ability to snap the ball could lock up the ninth and perhaps final offensive line spot for Leverett, a fact that hasn’t been lost on him.

“So far I’ve played both guard and tackle spots, but no center,” Leverett said. “I feel comfortable playing all five [spots], but I’m still learning more center. We’re stacked with centers, so I haven’t really gotten any reps, but I work on it on the side. I feel comfortable playing all five though. I’m always in my playbook. I’m always asking the vets questions trying to learn more and more about each position. I feel like it’s helping me a lot as far as making the roster. I’m able to show my versatility. Everyone is always telling me that’s a good thing.”

By continuing to show that versatility and work ethic, Leverett looks like the early favorite to win the ninth offensive line spot on the roster.